L.A. Fires News

The Southern California fires, which emerged in early January, have caused immense distress and heartache. The Palisades and Eaton fires have affected more than 200,000 people, destroyed and damaged nearly 20,000 structures, and claimed 29 lives. Beginning on January 7 in Los Angeles County, the fires erupted at 10:30 a.m., burning around 38,000 acres in total. After a 24-day battle, they are now at full containment. 

The Hughes fire in Castaic, California burned over 10,000 acres but did not harm any people or structures. Starting in the 10 o’clock hour  on January 22, the fire was quickly contained 2-3 days later. Throughout the entirety of these disasters, community efforts have supported the people of L.A., providing food, shelter, and hospitalization to those in need. 

Community Aid Efforts

As soon as the fires began, individuals and organizations across the country began to mobilize in order to help those affected by the devastation. Local organizations like Koreatown’s YMCA, Ktown for All, and Downtown LA’s Covenant House provided supplies, food, and shelter to those in need. The Covenant House specifically supports unhoused youths aged 18-24, and over 100 displaced youths were able to find shelter there during the fires. Additionally, individuals like Sabrina Parnia, an LA native, set up donation drives for local evacuation shelters. After witnessing the damage the Palisades fire had done to her community, Parnia set up a donation drive at the Koreatown YMCA in order to collect food, clothing, and supplies for first responders and displaced individuals. She received many donations from businesses, and helped the YMCA set up a supply distribution network to help other shelters in need. 

In Altadena, which was ravaged by the Eaton Fire, the organization Altadena girls has 

been helping teenage girls affected by the fire return to a sense of normalcy. The organization, founded by 14-year-old Avery Colvert, is providing shoes, clothes, makeup, hair products, and jewelry in an effort to help girls replace the prized possessions they lost in the fire. Although Colvert did not lose her home in the fire, many of her friends and classmates did, and she wanted to find a way to help them. Altadena Girls has received many donations from locals, but the organization has also received support and large donations from many notable figures, including CharliXCX, Ariana Grande, James Charles, and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. 

Animal Shelters

The recent fires have left families and pets devastated, separating those they love and their homes. Affected pets, strays, and wildlife everywhere have been in desperate need since the burning started on January 7. More than 1,000 animals were settled in various shelters across Southern California including Best Friends Animal Society, Pasadena Humane Society, L.A. Animal Services, Wetland and Wildlife Care Center, and World Animal Protection. Many animal lovers have come together to volunteer, donate, and rescue as many as possible with their regional shelters and neighborhood veterinary clinics. 

Families everywhere have been forced to leave their pets behind separating those they love most. Countless animals have been severely burned, wounded, or exhausted from smoke inhalation, leaving them helpless in the remnants of tousled neighborhoods. Humans' homes were not the only ones that burnt too, wildlife has diminished and if these natural species survived, their habitats were most likely destroyed. The byproducts of the now-contained fires continue to impact wild areas. Toxic waste of the L.A. ruins includes burned wreckage, home products, batteries, electronics, and incinerated cars has exhausted the ocean, wildlife, and other water supplies. 

Through the tragedies that have struck Southern California, residents everywhere have come together to assist and support victims of the Palisades and Eaton fires. To combat numbers of such quantity, animal shelters and community aid such as the Pasadena Humane Society are moving animals in their care to shelters outside of the state. Additionally, all L.A. shelters have been in constant communication to adapt to the exponential numbers of those in need. Events such as pantry drives, adoption, and foster centers continue to overwhelm local staff with support, supplies, and food. Over 1,000 animals have been placed under the care of shelters that urge those who can to foster and adopt, as well as identification lists to reunite owners and their pets. 

How to Get Involved

After seeing the devastation caused by the fires, countless individuals across Los Angeles have pitched in to help with fire recovery efforts. If you also feel compelled to make a difference, there are many different volunteering, advocacy, or donation opportunities that you can get involved with.  California State Senator Sasha Renée Pérez, who’s constituency was devastated by the Eaton Fire, recently told local radio station KPCC that the biggest necessity in the recovery effort is cash aid. However, every little effort counts. Here are 3 great organizations that you can donate to: 

1. Direct  Relief California is providing N-95 masks, respirators, medication, and other essential supplies to local health care agencies and individuals in need. 

2. Baby2Baby is providing diapers, formula, and other essential items to families with young children in need. 

3. Los Angeles Food Bank is providing assistance to food insecure families across Los Angeles County.